The Joby Gorillapod SLR-Zoom is one of the more recent additions to the popular Gorillapod line.  The previous Gorillapod SLR offered the ability to mount your DSLR and small lightweight lens onto it with a maximum capacity of 1.75 pounds.  The new Gorillapod SLR-Zoom allows you to drop a big lens on the camera (like the 70-200mm f/2.8 above) for a maximum capacity of 6.6 pounds.

This was my first time using a Gorillapod and I have to say that I’m surprised how much I’ve used it.  It basically stays in my camera bag.  I’ve used it for the typical impromptu tripod; however, I’ve also used it as a light stand for a speedlight in order to put the light where I really want it.

I mounted a speedlight on the Gorillapod for the below image.  It was about 2 feet away from the subect’s face (she’s laying down on seamless paper) and slightly above thanks to the height of the Gorillapod.  I also used the excellent Honl Speed Snoot (opened up to allow for a softer and wider spread of light).  (The main light was bounced off of an umbrella above the subject and to camera’s slight left.)  The Gorillapod beats the heck out of a standard hotshoe stand because you can position the flash in ways that the standard stand just won’t.

The Gorillapod SLR-Zoom will live in my camera bag from now on just because of its versatility for both cameras and flashes.  And, if the 6.6 pound rating isn’t enough for you, Joby also makes an 11 pound version called the “Focus“.  That’s a whole lot of lens though.

You can find the Gorillapods at most camera stores and many electronic stores.  If you are buying online, I can recommend the following trusted vendors:  Amazon.com, B&H Photo (also available in kit with a ball head) and Adorama.

You can learn more about the Gorillapod SLR-Zoom and related products at Joby.com.

Also, see more details on the Honl Speed Snoot and other great lighting modifiers at Honl Photo.